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I have 2 15 watt lights on a 55 gallon tank. Is this thirty watts of light? So how many watts per gallon would I have. Also what kind of plants could I get I have seen mentioned:
anubias
mosses
java ferns
crypts
would any of these be ok?
Sorry I am new to planting lol.

Hi, welcome to the planting side

It's really not the watts, that count it's the kind of light, if your lights are fluorecent , then you end up having .54 watts per gallon, that's low light, you have to choose plants that can grow under those conditions, from your list i would go with Anubias and Java ferns. Crypts need a little more light.

Hi,
To figure out your watts per gallon (wpg), total the
wattages of your bulbs and divide that number by the
capacity of the tank. 2x15=30/55=.54 watts/gallon.
That is way, way, way, too low for plants.
You want your light to be at least 1.5wpg for low light
plants, and perhaps 2 wpg for best results.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

As mentioned whatage is only part of the growing cycle. I have two lights on both tanks and each have a plant light and a daylight tube.

The other major factor is the the life of the useage I am not refering to the actual light you can see. FRANK is far better explaining it than I coul. everv do. A good quality light/tube will last about two years then must be replaced. On the other hand a cheepie will be efficient for far less time.
Eg a $20 tube efficiency rating 2 years
A $10 far less than one year.

What I am saying is you get what you pay for also a better quality unit will be far better for your plants and fish.

If FRank dose not see this PM him.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

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